Nahyan attends discussions on Oliver Hodge Film Garbage Warrior

2012-03-05 18:04:25WAM ABU DHABI: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research on Sunday attended discussions on the “Garbage Warrior”, the epic story of U.S Earthship eco architect and documentarian Michael Reynolds, and his fight to build off-the-grid self-sufficient communities, following the screening of the film at the Zayed University Old campus auditorium.

Renegade architect Michael Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of “Earthship Biotecture” – passive, solar, off-the-grid, sustainable housing.

Participants from Masdar and environmental agencies called for a strategic environmental plan and for the promotion of the culture of sustainability and recycling.

The discussions noted the efforts and initiatives by the UAE to protect the environment.

Hippie architect Michael Reynolds has spent the past 35 years creating eco-friendly homes known as �Earthships’. Using beer cans and tyres to hold the structures together, he came up with a way of life that requires none of the traditional household fuels. Running foul of American planning mandates, he found his buildings threatened, but in the wake of the Boxing Day Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina, he has found recognition at last. Brit filmmaker Oliver Hodge’s documentary initially depicts its subject as a bit of an ass, but it gradually becomes obvious that Reynolds is a true humanitarian, offering a real alternative to modern living.